Officers instructed to take a "critical look" at stocks Two cases have been registered by the Salem and Udumalpet police

CHENNAI:
Stung by the allegations of use of fake First Information Report (FIR) forms, police authorities have issued instructions to subordinate officers to take a "critical look" at the stocks.

As a matter of caution, the officers have been told to use only FIR forms supplied by the government, say police sources.

Reports of the use of bogus FIR sheets have come as a second source of embarrassment to police authorities in recent times. The department found itself on a sticky wicket when the question paper for selecting Grade II constables leaked for a second time.

Alleging a cover up attempt, a candidate moved the High Court seeking a CBI enquiry. The court ordered a CBI probe. But following a petition by the State, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the High Court order.

Similarly, a retired police officer has filed a Public Interest Litigation petition in the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe into reports of printing of fake FIR forms in Salem and Coimbatore districts. A senior police officer told The Hindu that in the wake of media reports, the police raided two premises at Salem and Udumalpet in Coimbatore district and seized 35 "items of registers." No bogus FIR forms were found. At Salem, the moulds used for printing the items were also seized.

Two cases have been registered by the Salem and Udumalpet police for offences under Sections including 472 (making or possessing counterfeit seal etc, with intent to commit forgery punishable under Section 467), 466 (forgery of record of Court or of public register), 484 of IPC and under the Press and Registration Act.